This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Got to the airport nice and early as a couple we met on holiday allowed us to avail ourselves of the use their private transfer (Many thanks – you know who you are ! ) so when we arrived, check in was empty, although we had done OLCI, we hadn’t printed boarding passes. No problems, cases dropped and boarding cards issued by check in staff who were very friendly. Confirmed a “full” flight and issued passed for 80H and K.
Of through security and the now usual routine of through the duty free shop to departures. Terminal 3 looked quite new and shiny, no issues with terminal, nicely air-conditioned and a few shops to look round. Had Dominos Pizza and then headed off to a bar for an hour or so prior to boarding. Priority Boarding was called around 50 minutes before departure, however as we had no desire to sit on a plane for any longer than necessary. We waited for most people to board before us and boarded as the queue finally diminished. One thing to say about the airport, there is not that many seats around the gate and a sizeable queue was evident when the flight was called. We boarded via an air bridge and still ended up in a long line to board after the gate. First impression wasn’t good as the CC directed us toward the front of the plane for seats 80H and K which I knew were upstairs but the crew didn’t ! after a quick check, CC agreed and sent us upstairs
First impressions of the upstairs PE cabin was favourable, the whole section being PE gave it a much better feel of space than the split layout on the new config. Took the essentials out of the carry on and stowed our cases in the wardrobe. The upper deck was looking a bit tired, the wardrobe door was missing and the seats were a bit worn but generally not to bad. Seats did feel a bit odd when upright as it felt as they were making you sit “past” upright and felt a little like leaning forward, however space was good and the side bins a good size. Offered a drink on seating but as we had bottled water on the seats, we declined.
Pushed back on time of 18.05 and taxied out to the runway, FSM informed us of a pretty full load of 451 people and 18 crew, however the all PE bubble made you forget there were 400+ people below you , captain advised of a flight time back of 8 Hours 56 Minutes so we should land a few minutes earlier than scheduled. Departed Mexican shores with a nice smooth take off and climb out, following a route northwards up over Northern Florida, up the Eastern sea board and across from around Halifax, over the Southern tip of the Republic of Ireland Ireland passing Weston Super Mare, then across to Southampton for approach to LGW.
Meal service was started pretty much straight away, choice was Lasagne or Chicken. I had the Chicken which was ok, Mrs FC had the Lasagne which she said wasn’t great. Sweet was cold apple crumble – still don’t get that, it’s meant o be hot in my eyes ! After dinner drinks offered and then cabin lights dimmed for the homeward flight. I have to say, in relation to the crew on the way out, this was a totally different experience. They were present all through the flight, did several soft drink run throughout the flight and if you wanted a drink from the galley, there were no issues and they seemed genuinely happy to serve you and always with a smile and time for a brief chat. I had a good chat with one of the Seniors at the back who was sat on the jump seat having a cuppa ! The entertainment was a disappointment after having JAM on the way out. And the screens were not as clear, The couple who let us use their private transfer were in 74 A&C and there IFE didn’t work, the CC found them some portable DVD players which was a nice touch.
About 2 hours out, breakfast was served which was clearly a Mexican version of a full English – the bacon was strange and we had both Bacon and Gammon but no beans all told, I have had worse and the coffee was nice and hot and no issues with getting a second cup when requested. Breakfast cleared, the CC started preparing for Landing, hot towels offered after breakfast and we approached LGW. Slight hold and circle at LGW and landed on to wet English Morning 5 minutes earlier than planned meaning an actual flight time of around 9 hours and 15 minutes. Taxied to stand and powered don ready to disembark. Having 80H & K meant we were off and down the stairs first where we were held by the crew until the front cabins disembarked, meaning that some economy passengers were off first but it wasn’t too bad.
A long walk to Immigration which wasn’t too busy and then to the belt to get the cases. One end of the plan seemed to have failed as our bags certainly didn’t have priority coming off. We saw a lot of passengers from economy get there bags before us. Who caused this, we don’t know but there was certainly no priority in evidence. Through Customes, and outside to our meet and greet for the 3 hour trip back to the West country (with the help of a double espresso or 2 !)
Overall impressions : the crew were far better than outbound and were a good example of what a crew should be, they made the flight much more bearable. The seats and interior were showing their age and are not as wide as the new seats, however when reclined we still found them quite comfortable. The new headrests are a lot better and support your head more.
Final comment – although I know I can’t change it! but why did VA change the upstairs config. The all PE layout had a much nicer ambience and felt significantly larger than the split config on the refurb plane on the outward leg, the crew seemed more relaxed and clearly their workload is a lot easier as they have no issues changing services. It’s worth noting, that they ran out of nothing upstairs all flight, despite us being on the last row.
I know the logic for the change via VA, but to be honest for a couple more PE seats, I personally think they should have retained the old layout having now flown both versions.
Please feel free to fire away with any questions.
FC
I was waving like mad at you 
